Jill Joseph: Making a run for it

The 50plus Oregon Senior Games series returns, featuring some of the 50+ phenoms who’ll be competing in the Games in Corvallis Aug 13-19.

Watch this space now through game time to meet fun, fascinating people who make the Games an experience to remember — for competitors, volunteers, and spectators alike!

This week, meet track and field rockstar, Jill Joseph.

Making a Run for It

Dr. Jill Joseph’s children and grandchildren grew up running in school, so it seemed only natural that she herself would eventually fall under the spell of the sport.

“I started running at age 35 when we were living in New Zealand for three years,” Jill explains. She never competed, though, until the 2022 Oregon Senior Games, when the then 78-year-old participated in the 200m and 400m events.

  “The world is an amazing place,” says the retired professor, “and running brings it up close and personal.” Jill promises that senior athletes will meet wonderfully supportive and friendly fellow competitors in Corvallis if they join the fun this August.

• BY RANDAL C. HILL